The New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service has developed new video game to teach young children about food safety, as reported by KRQE.
The media production team from NMSU’s Innovation Media Research and Extension and Learning Games Lab in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences has developed a game called Theme Park Kitchen. The game teaches players about food storage, preparation, safe cooking times for meat, poultry, and fish, and avoiding cross-contamination.
The main focus of the game is to help players learn these important kitchen skills. As they progress through the game, players explore the charming world of a theme park while preparing and serving increasingly complex dishes. Along the way, they must remember which actions add or remove contamination to keep their customers safe.
The New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service is dedicated to prioritizing food safety education, recognizing its critical importance in safeguarding public health. Through a multifaceted approach, the Extension Service employs a variety of engaging platforms showcased on their website to effectively disseminate information and promote awareness.
From informative articles and interactive tutorials to insightful videos and engaging social media campaigns, they strive to reach diverse audiences and empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about food safety. As a testament to their commitment, the Extension Service proudly features a poignant quote on their website, serving as a reminder of the significance of their mission:
Our products make learning about food safety an enjoyable adventure while providing best practices to ensure a safer and healthier food environment for all.
It is evident that Theme Park Kitchen is an innovative way to engage people. In the past, we have come across media stories where well-meaning organizations establish a connection with children inside the world of video games, considering them as the future and aiming to improve their skills and intelligence. The New Mexico State University has also found a creative approach to achieve this goal.